MUSKEGON, MI – Muskegon-area motorists will likely pay about $3.50 for a gallon of unleaded gas this week thanks to what gas analysts are calling seasonal factors.

The AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report on Monday, Feb. 10 indicated that the average price for regular, unleaded fuel in West Michigan was $3.46 per gallon, or 11 cents more than last week.

A year ago from today, local motorists were paying $3.78 per gallon of unleaded gas.

In a routine commentary last week, AAA federal relations manager Avery Ash said prices would likely move up this month and beyond due to several “seasonal factors.” This includes increased demand, refinery maintenance that often begins in February and other factors that are historically known for increasing prices during the first quarter of the year.